Story Highlights

This year, it's been all about smartphones. Whether you are an all-Apple, all-the-time user or a 'droid die-hard, it's worth examining the features and hardware for both, in today's TECH NOW.

The smartphone and tablet wars have played a big role in the world at large this year – with more than 1 billion in use today. Truly at the frontline, it comes down to Apple and Android. So forget about contracts, carriers and warring tech tribes. What's the real difference and which one is right for you?

Android: Flexibility, choice

With devices built on Google's Android operating system, you have options. There are more handset shapes and sizes across a big price range. Many models are amazingly fast and offer long batttery life. And those with bigger screens are a big draw for people who love to read, browse, watch and type on a larger surface.

iPhone = Sleek, secure, simple

Apple gives you, well, whatever Apple wants to give you. That just happens to be some of the easiest to use, best looking, most tech advanced devices on the market.

iPhone 5 has the most apps, a top-rated camera and video and it's lightning fast. Its Siri voice control app can pull off more complex commands than the Android equivalent.

So which one is right for you? It's kind of like Coke or Pepsi , dogs or cats - when all is said and done it's more about personal preference than anything else.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's new daily digital TECH NOW . Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.